So, this morning, I had to address their hearts and take the time to teach them about the importance of putting others first. My schedule was tight. It would be so much easier just to let it go. However, this is the work God called me to do and I had to dig in and have a discussion with them. I’m so glad I did. By the end of our conversation, they realized that selfish attitudes lead to hurtful actions. My prayer is that next time they’ll remember to think about the feelings of others before making a move to put themselves first.
On days like today, I’m reminded of the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:58,
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Raising little ones into big ones who love and follow Jesus is the greatest work we can do for the Lord. If God has given you children, He has called you into the work of motherhood. On the days you struggle with needs that seem unending, or the demands of little ones are threatening to overwhelm you, and you feel your work is in vain, consider this: Your children will not always need you as they do now.
Your children will not always need you like they do now.
Your children will not always need you like this, but they will always need you.
PRAY
PRAY for your little ones to be drawn to the things of the Lord. As you feed them today, or as you prepare a meal for them, pray God will cause them to hunger and thirst for His Word. Pray they will “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
I’ve seen Him do it over and over again in my own life. As your children grow, let them see your walk with the Lord progressing. Share with them when you mess up and need to go to the Lord for forgiveness and direction. Draw them into time in the Word with you. They do not need to see perfection. They need to see a faith walk that is progressing.
LOVE
LOVE them no matter what. Our children are not going to be perfect, no matter how hard we work in training them. So, when they do mess up (as my boys did recently), take the time to extend grace and mercy in the midst of your training. Always show them you love them more than the things they may break, or the time they may be taking from your schedule. Love covers a multitude of sins. Keep in mind that the love you show your children is what will remain with them forever.
Take heart, my friend, your children won’t always need you like they do today. But, you will always be their mom and they will always need you. Your work as a mom is never in vain.
Shepherding a Child's Heart is about how to speak to the heart of your child. The things your child does and says flow from the heart. Luke 6:45 puts it this way: "...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child's Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing.
You can also purchase the Shepherding a Child's Heart: Parent's Handbook here. The Parent's Handbook is not just a fill-in-the-blank study guide that rehearses the material in Shepherding a Child's Heart. In the ten years since the publication of Shepherding, Tedd Tripp has had the opportunity to teach on parenting to thousands of young parents across the country and in many other parts of the world. That, coupled with ten years of insights into God's Word on the subject, has resulted in a broader and deeper understanding of the content and application of Shepherding a Child's Heart. Here are questions about the meaning and application of Scripture texts to the challenges of shepherding children. There are sections of Bible study, application, strategic questions to help parents commit to change, and gospel encouragement that you can be a better parent because of the power of grace working in you. The Parent's Handbook is a valuable tool for personal or group study.
What stage of child-rearing are you in today, and what resources have you found invaluable in your calling?
1 Comment
I'm so glad you took the time to teach your two youngest how their actions can hurt others, Patsy! This is so important for us to do as parents who also want to spiritually mentor our children. And I'm also glad you were clear about what this exactly entails so that others can follow your lead as a godly parent. Thank you for this! I'll be pinning it today and scheduling it for later!
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